Root canal morphology and variations in mandibular second molar teeth of an Indian population: an in vivo cone-beam computed tomography analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the root canal morphology of permanent mandibular second molars of an Indian population in vivo using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: CBCT images (n = 983; males = 489, females = 494) of untreated, completely developed permanent mandibular second molar teeth were examined. CBCT scans were acquired as part of diagnosis and treatment planning for treatments unrelated to the present study. The number of roots and root canals were recorded. Canal configuration was classified based on Vertucci's and Fan's classifications. RESULTS: The most common configuration was two-root (79.35%) and three-root canals (53.50%). The incidence of three-rooted molars was 7.53%, whereas 13.12% of the studied teeth studied have fused roots with C-shaped canals. The predominant canal morphology in the mesial roots was Vertucci's type IV (45.17%), followed by type II (32.55%), type I (7.23%), type V (1.02%), and type III (0.91%). The distal root in contrast showed type I (61.14%) as the predominant canal configuration, followed by type II (18.21%) and type IV (7.53%). The incidence of three-rooted molars was higher in males (n = 55; 5.59%) than in females (n = 19; 1.94%) (p < 0.01). The canals in the extra roots exhibited type I (100%) root canal morphology. In teeth with C-shaped root canal (13.12%), the variations in the coronal, middle, and apical third ranged from C1 to C4. CONCLUSIONS: Root canal systems of the mesial roots of mandibular second molars of the study population demonstrated a high degree of variability. While three roots were rare, there was a sexual predisposition. Fused roots with C-shaped canals were rare and demonstrated significant variations from the coronal to apical third. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Root canal morphology can demonstrate variations based on race and sex of patients. Clinicians must always consider the possible variations to ensure successful endodontic treatment.

Single visit rehabilitation of 12-day neonate with cleft palate using modified feeding spoon impression technique: A case report.

The rehabilitation of the cleft requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a pediatrician, surgeon, otolaryngologist, speech therapist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and psychologist. The present case report illustrates the rehabilitation of a 12-day-old neonate with a cleft palate. Since the palatal arch of the neonate was very small, a feeding spoon was innovatively modified to obtain the impression. The obturator was fabricated on the same day and delivered in one appointment.

Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning versus Traditional Teaching Methods in Improving Acquisition of Radiographic Interpretation Skills among Dental Students-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Problem-based learning is an experiential and student-centred learning method to practice important skills like querying, critical thinking, and collaboration through pair and group work. The study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional teaching (TT) methods in improving acquisition of radiographic interpretation skills among dental students. Clinical trials (randomized and nonrandomized) were conducted with the help of dental students studying oral radiology using PBL and TT methods and assessing radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level as outcomes. Articles published from PubMed/MEDLINE, DOAJ, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool, the MINORS Checklist, and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBIN-I) tool. Meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3. There were twenty-four articles for qualitative synthesis and 13 for meta-analysis. The cumulative mean difference was found to be 0.54 (0.18, 0.90), 4.15 (-0.35, 8.65), and -0.14 (-0.36, 0.08) for radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level, respectively, showing significant difference favouring PBL as compared to TT except for satisfaction level which favoured the TT group. To understand the long-term effectiveness of PBL over TT methods in oral radiology among dental students, well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials are needed.

Apical Debris Extrusion by Novel Endostar E5 Compared to Other Commercial Rotary Files: An in Vitro Study

Objective: To compare the amount of apical debris extrusion in samples instrumented by EndoStar E5, ProTaper Universal, and M-two rotary files. Material and Methods: Forty-five freshly extracted non-carious mandibular premolar teeth with single roots and single canals were acquired, and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15). Samples in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were instrumented using EndoStar E5 (EE5), ProTaper Universal (PTU), and M-two (MTO) rotary file, respectively. Following instrumentation, the debris extruded was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes and stored in an incubator at 70°C for 5 days. Tubes containing the dry extruded debris were then weighed. One-way analysis of variance was applied to the weights obtained followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparison. Results: The mean debris extruded (mg) for the 3 groups were 1.23 (±0.72), 2.16 (±0.66), and 1.39 (±0.86) for EE5, PTU, and MTO respectively. Samples instrumented with PTU were associated with significantly higher debris extrusion (p<0.01) compared to EE5 and MTO. The groups EE5 and MTO did not differ in the amounts of debris extrusion (p>0.05). Conclusion: The novel EE5 and M-two rotary files result in less debris extrusion compared to PTU in mandibular premolars.

Effect of Fruit Juices and Other Beverages on Loss of Tooth Structure

Objective: To determine the effect of seven different beverages on tooth enamel. Material and Methods: Human teeth samples were immersed in each beverage (Pepsi, Red Bull, Orange juice, Apple juice, Lemon juice, Coffee and Green tea). Specimens were divided into seven groups by beverage type (n = 5 per group). Weight of the enamel was measured before and after immersion in different beverages daily for at periodic intervals of 24hrs, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. The data were recorded after weighing the teeth at each time. The beverages were replaced daily. Anova and Tukey post hoc test was performed to compare the differences in percent weight loss. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: There was change in the mean percent weight loss amongst the different beverages with orange juice showing a high reduction in comparison to green tea and coffee. The mean weight reduction of orange juice was by 21% followed by Red Bull (13%), Pepsi (11%), Lemon juice (16%), Apple juice (16%), coffee (3%) and green tea (3%). Conclusion: This study shows that different beverages have erosive potential on teeth depending on the duration of the exposure.